INSULIN-LIKE GROWTH FACTOR 1 UNDER CONDITIONS OF THE BRAIN VASCULAR DISEASES

Abstract

The system insulin-like growth factors (IGF) occupies an important place in the development and growth of the central nervous system (CNS). Gene expression of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-1) and IGF-1 receptor are represented in all parts of the brain and are heavily concentrated in the cerebral vessels. IGF-1 is involved in neuro-, angiogenesis, in the stimulation of cell proliferation, and repair responses to damage for both the central and peripheral nervous system. IGF- 1 exerts antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and protective effects on the CNS. The review discusses the importance and the role of IGF-I in vascular diseases of the brain, in particular, aneurysms, the ischemic stroke, the aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, as well as neuroprotection.